Philharmonic clarinetist decides that Chicago is his kind of town after all

Stephen Williamson, who has performed as principal clarinet with the New York Philharmonic this season, will return to his former post at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in September.

“It was a great honor to serve with the New York Philharmonic, and I thank the administration and orchestra for their collegiality and commitment to making extraordinary music,” said Williamson in a statement released by the CSO Friday. “Decisions like these are intensely personal, and the return to Chicago is one that simply felt right for me and my family at this point in our lives. I look forward to rejoining my CSO colleagues this fall.”

Williamson joined the Chicago Symphony in 2011 as principal clarinetist after eight years in the same post at the Metropolitan Opera. The New York native took a leave of absence from the CSO last fall to perform with the Philharmonic.

“We are delighted to welcome Steve and his family back to Chicago,” said Deborah F. Rutter, president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association.